The job of publicist can appear to be among the easiest and most attractive in the music business because there seems to be so much scope for imaginative and off-the-cuff creativity. The job does not require special academic achievements and the work offers the chance to shine as an individual.

The publicist has regular access to artists and gets ample opportunity to observe their work at close quarters. For some people this may be an appealing bonus, even adding an air of glamour to the working lifestyle. On the other hand, an awestruck star-gazing publicist tends to be an all-round liability rather than an asset!

Although it is true that many PR people in the industry do have the creatively pleasing opportunity to work directly and closely with the artists they represent, the job is also particularly demanding in a number of ways and has a fair bit of stress and tension attached to it.

WHAT SORT OF JOB IS IT?

There is no typical day in the life of a publicist and, if that sounds more like a hell than a joy, this job may not be for you. Priorities overtake and supersede one another hour by hour during the publicist’s day, just as they do in the newsroom of a daily newspaper. Urgency and pressure are essential elements of the job and if these tend to stimulate and invigorate you and provide a positive challenge, please read on.

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